Modern Skirts will perform at the Pour House and Haint Blue will perform at the Map Room

Modern Skirts
The last time the Modern Skirts came to town, I was deeply impressed with their performance at the Map Room. The Skirts are a great band out of Athens, that really know how to belt out the blues reminscient of both Gov't Mule and Ben Folds-indeed an interesting mix. Modern Skirts will perform tonight at the Pour House in James Island.

Haint Blue
The Bushido is always on the look out for up and coming talent, so when Goldfinger told me that he and his new band, Haint Blue, were "teskeing" the waters at the Map Room tonight (9:30 pm) for the open-mic night, I knew I had to shake this 24-hour-bug and get better to catch their show. For you Charlestonians familiar with the color Haint-Blue, you are well aware of the significance of the color and its' familiarity around the City. For those of you unfamiliar with the color, let me tell you that many Lowcountry folks, deep-rooted in Gullah Culture believe the color keeps the evil spirits at bay and it is a great name for a band! I'll give you all a recap tomorrow.

Leave it to the Dutch-Kwispelbier for Dogs

After a hard day of work, or if you are lucky a hard day fishing, hunting, sporting, riding the couch or hanging ten on the keyboard, it is quite apropos to crack a cold one and relax-even better sharing a cold one with a friend, or in the case of the Dutch, sharing one with "man's best friend". Terrie Berenden a resident and pet-shop owner in Zelhelm, Netherlands wanted a cold one for her Weimaraners to enjoy after their yearly hunting trip.

Solution: Berenden created a non-alcoholic beer aptly named, Kwispelbier (Kwispel is Dutch for wagging a tail) made of beef extract and malt for her dogs. I guess the only obstacle now seems to be how to train your dog to grab a cold one for both of you from the fridge. Sounds "ruff"...but necessity is the mother of all invention.

A Million Dollar Parking Lot-Charleston City Municipal Parking Lot

Today's Wednesday's WTF? is how in the world did the City Council approve and the Mayor budget a parking lot with a million dollar price tag? I took these photos yesterday under great risk to life and limb as I was pulled by one of Charleston's Finest, after snapping a couple of shots with my cell-phone camera, as I pulled onto Lockwood Blvd.

From our brief conversation: (Officer in blue-Jet in red, my thoughts in orange)
Officer: Mr. Trabert is there a reason you were taking pictures of the City Building and Police Station today?
Bushido: Sir, I was simply taking pictures of the parking lot.
Officer: Sir, why were you taking pictures of the parking lot?
Bushido: Sir, I happened to read in the (2004-2005) City Budget that we (taxpayers) spent a million-dollars on the parking lot and I wanted to take pictures of it and send it to my friends as a joke.
Officer: Well, Mr. Trabert you do know that we are in the middle of a War on Terrorism and sharing the schematics (of the City's Police Station) could be used by terrorists. This is no joke-nothing to laugh at.
Bushido: (In my mind: Did this guy just finish filling out his "1D-10-T" form and miss the day in English class when ending sentences with prepositions was referred to as a no-no? Schematics? This guy couldn't even spell the "schematics", let alone realize he misused the word because it is an adjective. Good grief). Thank you Sir, the thought didn't even cross my mind, you are right it is not funny.
License back in wallet, Insurance back in glove box, foot back on petal, exit stage-nevermind-just make notes of conversation while it is fresh and rush to post.

Steaks and Bubblies, Pittsburgh styled steaks and smooth champagne!

Part of living the Bushido Way is eating well and drinking both life and the bubblies the way God intended-to the fullest and in celebration! Another part of living the Bushido Way is to celebrate your blessings with friends and to share the knowledge of living a good life!

For those of you who only know of "Stal", "Pierre", "Dom" or (Dom) "Rose" let me introduce you to a smooth champagne made by GH Martel & Co. Since 1869, this Champagne of tradition and selection of "crus" from the Mtn of Reims (the Cote des Blancs). The subtle structure of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir with hints of fruit and "delicate floral notes (roses)" hits the palate with a exotic impression of flavor. For less than thirty bucks a bottle, it is hard to go wrong with a Martel. You should drink this to celebrate by itself (as we here at the Bushido did on New Year's) or with fish or poultry. But put that in the back of your mind because it is time to talk steak!

The Bushido has two heterosexual life-partners, one is Jamie "Mel" Mellen, the other Craig "Blackie" Blackmon. Since Mel has a lady-friend, I joined Blackie at Oak for dinner last week. I'll be frank, Oak is the shizz-it. Sorry, I could go on about the ambiance, decor, atmosphere, service and great steak, but I think the words of the people put things in the best perspective here-fo' shizzle! I had the steak au poivre and went on the wild-side to try my steak cooked "Pittsburgh-Style". Pittsburgh Style involves covering the steak with sugar and searing each side to carmalize the steak before cooking to seal in the steak's juices. You should do this before cooking but after seasoning. I experimented with the Pitt's style at home on the grill with a couple of cuts from Costco-great meats at "big-box" prices by the way-and the result was fantastic! Try it, you owe it to your taste buds.

Cooking a French-styled steak au poivre-as with my steak from Oak, you should first season the steak (au poivre) by salting the steak, generously on both sides, let the cut rest. Then press the steak into a bowl or generously sprinkle and then press crushed black and white peppercorns into the side. Heat an equal mix of olive-oil and butter into your best cast-iron, turn up the heat and cook to desired temp.

Obama's uhh, his uhh, response to Bush's SOTU speech

All right, everyone knows that I am a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat and it pisses me off that the President refers to the "Democrat Victory" in Congress, instead of the "Democratic Victory", (Was the President's victory a "Republic Victory"?) but you all know that I like a good laugh as well. Enter Senator Barack Obama. (Photo complments of the good people of the Lincoln State)

As one of the Democratic responses tonight, Presidential Candidate and Senator from Illinois, Senator Barack Obama responded with the following: “The president offered some serious proposals tonight on two issues — energy and health care — that we all agree must be addressed,” said Obama in a statement. “I'm glad he did, and I think it's important to respond in a constructive way. But the last election proved that politics-by-slogan and poll-tested sound bites aren't going to cut it with the American people anymore, and that's why the real test of leadership is not what the president said to Congress tonight, but how he works with Congress to find real solutions to the problems we face. Most Americans believe that escalation will not bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end, and that's why I've proposed not just a troop cap, but a phased redeployment that will start bringing our troops home"

Now I know that looks great on paper, but if I find the video for this, Public Speaking 101 teachers across the country will pull their hair out. Mel pointed out that Senator Obama overuses the (pause) "uhhh". The more I watched the more "uhh.." came out of the Senator's mouth. Sure he was shooting from the hip and on National television representing himself and the Party, but Senator, please by all means cut down your useage of uhhh..what's the word I am looking for? Oh that's it-"uhhh..." I am sure we will soon see this on a SNL (Saturday Night Live) skit, if the right-honorable gentleman representing the great state of Illinois doesn't find a way to trim his pauses.

Spurrier Adds Speed to the Gamecock's Offense

Despite All-State defensive-end, Carlos Dunlap Jr. deciding to sign with the National Champions, Florida Gators, and losing Sidney Rice to the NFL Draft, the Gamecocks are reloading for speed next year. Coach Spurrier has recruited the best class in USC history. Coach Spurrier is not following Coach Holtz' lead, he is cruising the Sunshine State and the Peach State for a new brand of Carolina football. (Photo from the Bushido's "straight up Playa"-FOB Duane at Palmetto Sports-check out his post about Mike Vick's makeshift ganga toter)

Skimming the milk off of our neighbor's porch
Coach Spurrier gave 30 offers (50%) to Florida football players for the 2006 recruiting class. At the top of the list are the Clearwater Boys (Ols) Kevin Young and Seaver Brown with Tony Morrell and Cliff Mathews about to ink a deal to play for the Visor as well. Georgia was our other neighbor Coach skimmed from, offering 11 players (18%) the chance to play at Carolina. With Cory Boyd's return, OLs Lee Tilley and Jim Barrier, RB Rommie Tyler and a fresh look of QB Chris Smelley leading the Gamecocks, the SEC will get an ample dose of South Carolina this next season.

City Council Votes on the Smoking Ban Tonight!

Agenda: On the agenda for tonight’s City Council meeting: The Public Hearing will commence with the first readings of new bills. These first 18-items of business all deal with City Annexation issues as “Joe and the Gang” try desperately to fill the $675,000 tax-revenue void left by James Island leaving the party. Mayor Riley proposes a land-grab in Johns Island following the Maybank Highway "expansion corridor" and the St. Andrews’ Parish (West of the Ashley). Also, many homes scattered along (mainly) Ashley River Road (Hwy. 61) and Wappoo Road will be zoned for business to drum up those tax-dollars and create unnecessary traffic on the “back-roads” and “cut-through” that we all use to navigate West of the Ashley in a reasonable period of time.

Why: If you don't go and voice your opinion the City Council will ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places throughout the city-effective in July.

Crime and Punishment: If busted smoking tobacco, you will face the same fines (up to $300) and jail time (30 days) as being busted with less than an ounce of marijuana in the state of South Carolina.

Here within is all normal Council and City business, and the Annexations and taxation Joe is mixing up continues in the Bills receiving their 2nd reading. (A bill only needs to be read twice with a majority voting for it to pass.) And then we get to #7-the ordinance to amend Ch.2 of the City Code to establish “rules of decorum for speakers at City Council meetings”.

Finally, the 8th ordinance on the agenda is the addition of a new Section 132 “establishing the regulations and requirements relating to smoking tobacco in public places or in simpler terms-the BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES!

Jerry Jones on Coach Bill Parcells

Statement from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about the retirement of Bill Parcells as coach as reported by the AP-sent by Boyz Fan! And reported by CBS Sports Line
"I'd first like to say that my respect and appreciation for Bill Parcells has only grown since the first day he joined the Dallas Cowboys. Our relationship, both on the professional and personal levels, is something that I am grateful for and something that will continue on into the future.
"It is a relationship that was structured around the fundamental element of applying all of our joint resources, energy and efforts into winning and being successful in every aspect of the organization.
"We are now prepared to move forward as an organization and pursue our goals of achieving at the highest level with the same dedication and enthusiasm. Fans of the Dallas Cowboys expect nothing less.
"From an ownership and general manager's perspective, Bill's coaching the Cowboys represented a willingness to embrace a different philosophy and approach toward winning. This experience will reinforce that willingness to be flexible.
"To our fans, I would like them to know that it is still all about winning. Winning is the name of the game, and nothing has changed.
"We have made progress on that front in the recent past, and we will continue to build on that progress with the belief that we have to do better.
"Bill will continue to come to work here at Valley Ranch throughout at least the end of this week, and we will continue to meet and address the present status of our team while also discussing the future. Clearly, we wanted Bill to return for next season, but I am completely understanding and respectful of his decision to retire from coaching.
"His contributions to the game of football, and to the NFL, are immeasurable, and we will always be grateful for his dedicated effort and commitment to the Dallas Cowboys."

(Photos of DCC Girls compliments of Dallas Cowboys.com from their 2007 calendar shoot).

DCC-Miss May 2007, Justine Phillips

(Photos compliments of DCC-2007 calendar and the Budweiser Kaiser)

DCC-Miss April 2007, Emma Dawson

(Photos compliments of DCC-2007 calendar)

DCC-Miss March 2007, Christina Parker

(Photos compliments of DCC-2007 calendar)

Who will become the 7th Coach for the Dallas Cowboys?

With a talented team and a billion-dollar stadium under construction, Jerry Jones as a lot of pressure to make his 6th choice for Dallas' new head coach the right one. Big names such as USC's Pete Carroll and ex-Steeler's coach Bill Cowher have been thrown around as coaches who could make a big splash in the big 'D'. Also on the short list are Ron Rivier (Chicago's d-coordinator) and LSU's head coach Les Miles.

I am leaving it to the Bushido's readers to offer Mr. Jones a few more suggestions for his pick. Please leave them in the comment section. (Photos from the DCC 2007 calendar Miss February, Becca Gambel from Dallas Cowboys.com)

DCC-Miss January 2007, Andrea Richards

The Tuna hangs up his spurs and walks into the sunset

Coach Bill Parcells walked away from professional football today ending 19-seasons as a NFL head coach with 3 SuperBowl appearances, 2 Championships and a career record of 183-138-1 (34-32 with his 4-year tenure at Dallas) becoming 9th on the All-time wins list for NFL Coaches. His greatest ability as a coach was to turn around teams with hap-hazard records and as we see with the success of his proteges: Bill Belicheck (Patriots), Coach of the Year, Sean Payton (New Orleans), Tom Coughlin of the Giants and Cleveland's Coach Romer Crennel, he knows how to groom great football minds. (Photo of DCC Elizabeth Davis courtesy of the Dallas Cowboys.com)

The Big Tuna didn't hold a press-conference to entertain one last colorful sparing with the sports media, instead he opted to send a simple well-wishing and congratuatory e-mail to thank his players, the team, the Jones and the fans as he hung up his spurs and quietly left for the peaceful life of Saratoga, NY to his new home near the track and other than the memorabila hanging on the wall, a long way from football. Coach Parcells was one hell of a competitor and he will be missed. Enjoy retirement coach!

Reese is banging!

As you all know, JET (the Bushido) is a huge fan of Reese Witherspoon-all right enough of the 3rd person speak, let's take a look at my girl Reese's new look. I am posting pictures of her from last year's Golden Globes (see below) and pics from this year's Golden Globes. I am a big fan of the bangs, but then again, I liked last year's classic look too.

Sunday Samurai: Bloggers and consumerism

I read in the WSJ on Friday that 29-year old Chinese television anchor and blogger, Rui Cheng-gang recently posted a blog regarding the inappropriate representation of Western-Culture in the holiest of all holies for Chinese Nationalism, the Forbidden City. Starbucks operates a kyiosk in a corner of the Forbidden City. Rui wrote:

"Starbucks is really too inappropriate for the world's impression of
the Forbidden City"

As it is for the Chinese, nationalism is also individualism and when someone finally had the chance to reflect on the coffee-shop in the Forbidden City. After Rui's post was viewed by 1-million visitors to his site, it became more than just a simple distaste for a coffee shop, but his words became a new challege for consumer-activism in a country with 20-million bloggers and 3.2 bloggers who post daily. The Chinese government does scrub the internet for political diatribes, but in a country with little or no action as consumers, they let the "market" control itself. This in turn brings a new challenge for companies in China. How much dialogue should they respond with between the blogosphere and how fast can a company put out the fires before 1-million people view it. As Mr. Rui e-mailed Starbuck's CEO Jim McDonald, he changed the face of dialogue between the average person and big business. Which I must admit is amazing.

Buttering the bread

What this story brought out to me the most was how Rui (a Starbucks customer) didn't care about not having a Starbucks, so he could snag a cup of Joe before a television broadcast; he just wrote what he felt and penned a jab at a company he felt took away from his heritage. On the flip-side, I can imagine that Mr. Rui also realizes that people will respond to this story, they will like him; Rui will become a better or at least more watched broadcaster. He knows where is bread is buttered, but like all reporters, he knows a good story when he sees one. Regardless of his own personal agenda, we must all think about the "truthiness" in this story, that one voice can become the voice of many. For those of who blog, we should think about the effect our posts will have on the blogosphere community and if the attention given to something is deserved. If we truly want to live the Bushido way, we should be honest, frank and approach each issues with as even of a keel approach as possible. (Photo compliments of Japanlifestyle.com)

AFC Conference Championship: Colts vs Patriots

The AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts will air on CBS tonight at 6:30 pm. Indianapolis is favored by -3, with a 47.5 over-under. New England's Safety R. Harrison is doubtful for tonight's game. Indy's RB Addai and WR M. Harrison are both probable. (Pictures of Pats Cheerleaders courtesy of Patriots.com)

Colts vs Pats Rivalry

Tonight's game is building to become quite the rivalry game as the Colts have seen their SuperBowl dreams dimenished by the Pats in previous years. Here's the background: Pats beat the Colts 24-14 in the 2003 AFC Championship game. The Pats embarrassed the Colts in the 2004 AFC Championship game, 20-3. Will the Colts defeat their rivals tonight and go to the SuperBowl. I am being a nay-sayer here and saying No, but by all means, leave your comments if you disagree.

(Photo of Patriots cheerleaders compliments of Patriots.com)

And now an hour of Patriots Cheerleaders, I'll try to set up a poll for you to vote for your favorite

Patriots Cheerleader-Meghan White

(Photo courtesy of Patriots.com)

Patriots' Cheerleader-Meghan Vasconcellos

(Photo courtesy of Patriots.com)